Southampton, Hampshire
Hampshire has had another exciting year in 2026, with an array of large-scale events and festivals taking place but the year is not over yet. Home to a host of family fun events, and special anniversaries, you're sure to find plenty of exciting events to give you a reason to include Hampshire in your holiday plans. Look out for an array of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austens birth whilst you discover the place she was born, lived and wrote six of her novels #JaneAusten250.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county. The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Number of results: 153
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
Farnham
Take play to the next level as over 1,000 metres of channels weave throughout the Park! Watch balls roll, bounce, and skip along the twists and turns, creating a thrilling, interactive spectacle that kids will love to explore and chase.
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Oceania Vista depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.
General event
Southampton
One way trip to Poole, passengers make their own way back (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). Our trip will see us pass the sights and sounds of busy Southampton Water, The Needles, Hengistbury Head and Poole Harbour, passing…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of National Mini Day on Sunday 14 June 2026.
Join the Mini Cooper Register for National Mini Day, as one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Mini calendar returns to Beaulieu.
National Mini Day…
Outdoor Event / Activities
West End, Southampton
Looking for things to do this February half term in Southampton? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape, set in the heart of Itchen Valley Country Park, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and thrill seekers, Go…
Competition / Game
Ryde
Isle of Wight Chess Masters 2026 Chess takes centre stage on the Isle of Wight between the 16 - 22 February 2026 when the Wightlink Isle of Wight Chess Tournament takes place in Ryde.
Elite chess players With over 30 chess masters taking…
Festivals
Newport
Sausage and Cider Festival at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight Sausage and Cider Festival returns to the Isle of Wight on Saturday 4 July 2026.
HEADLINER TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Huge line up Kasabian tribute. UB40 tribute. Foo Fighters…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative drop-in caulking workshop! Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships.
Discover how tar-soaked rope fibres are used for caulking, and get hands-on…
Special Events
New Forest
Beaulieu Supercar Weekend will return on Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August 2026. This must-see family spectacular brings some of the world's most exclusive and desirable motors to Beaulieu.
This event is a must for all supercar enthusiasts, providing an…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Weyhill, Andover
Our magical Winter Woodland Lights event is back! Unlike any light show or owl flying display that you will have ever seen before, you’ll experience beautiful illuminations and a live owl display set in a stunning, colourful woodland.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply VW on Sunday 24 May 2026.
All VW owners were invited to park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for both enthusiasts and owners. All ages and models of VW are welcome, which…
General event
Southampton
The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building program in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size,…
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Sporting Events
Freshwater
Explore our island through running Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location!
Full programme of running events The Isle of Wight…
Arts
Basingstoke
Join us for a creative and hands-on weaving experience at Whitchurch Silk Mill! In this fun workshop, you'll learn the basics of weaving and design your very own colourful wall hanging to take home.
Using beautiful yarns and threads, you'll explore…
Food
Wickham, Fareham
Set within the serene embrace of Quob Park Estate’s 180-acre vineyard, Wine & Pairings offers a dining experience as breathtaking as its surroundings. Following our Estate-To-Glass-&-Plate ethos, Michelin-trained chefs craft seasonal, innovative…
Festival
Ovington, Alresford
A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…
Show / Display
Brockenhurst
The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire.
General event
Southampton
We will pass into Portsmouth Harbour, home to the Royal Navy – an exciting opportunity to view Britain’s naval vessels and the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence Pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water.…
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